noun
discontented former samurai (early Meiji period)
Historical term referring to former samurai who were dissatisfied with the Meiji government's reforms, especially the loss of their stipends and status.
不平士族の反乱が西南戦争の一因となった。
The rebellion of discontented former samurai was one cause of the Satsuma Rebellion.
明治初期、多くの不平士族が政府に不満を抱いていた。
In the early Meiji period, many discontented former samurai harbored resentment toward the government.
Compound of 不平 (discontent) and 士族 (samurai class after the Meiji Restoration). The term emerged in the early Meiji period to describe former samurai who opposed the new government's policies.